Juneau Family Birth Center is where Dan and I will be having our baby. We went on a tour yesterday, even though we knew this is where we wanted to have the baby, the tour just confirmed it. I scheduled my first pre-natal appointment for Tuesday the 25th. They said I could get an ultra-sound to solidify how far along we are. Obviously it wouldn't be a "normal" ultra-sound because of how early in the game we are. I had some questions about the safety and need of ultrasounds so the mid-wife provided me with some literature. So for the safety of my little bean I am opting NOT to get the ultra-sound.
Ultrasounds were introduced into widespread use before any studies were done to determine it relative safety and that is scary to me. Also while the FDA has set limits for emissions, no state or federal regulations require calibration of diagnostic devices. Calibration is left entirely to the discretion of private manufacturers. The FDA has quality control standards for equipment specifications. Once sold, however, equipment maintenance and emissions control are left up to the purchaser, with expectations that power output will diminish as parts age.
Studies have linked ultrasounds to increased rates of childhood cancers and leukemia, free radical production, a likely mechanism for the origin of DNA damage. One controlled trial set up to justify systematic ultrasound screening noted 20 miscarriages in the scanned group and none in the controlled group. A Michigan study discovered that preterm labor more than doubled in a group receiving weekly scans compared with those who received pelvic exams alone.
Studies often done in animals or tissues in laboratories and often using larger doses than those used in humans have noted the following. Chromosomal damage, gross cranial and facial malformations, smaller offspring, breakdown of DNA molecules, blood stasis, liver cell changes, jaundice, branin enzyme changes, changes in brain wave patterns, delayed postnatal grasp reflex, bleeding in newborn mouse lungs, increases emotional reactivity, delay in neuromuscular development, reduction in immunoglobulin antibodies, 10 - 20 times increased absorption of hormones, increases anxiety and stress in the mother.
I know people have been getting them for a long time, but I don't want to chance it. I would rather be safe than sorry.
Anyway on a lighter note. I am a little over 5 weeks today. Our baby is about the size of a sesame seed and looks like a tiny tadpole.
is what we have been enjoying for the past couple of weeks. It truly has been amazing! Dan and I have been going on walks and bike rides everyday after work. I do have to say I can't wait for the rain to come. This pollen in so thick and is seriously bothering me. I just need a little relief, also sleeping in a house that is not 80 degrees would be nice as well!!
After junk hunting we hung out with my Dad and went around town in search for a battery for my scooter and tires from my vintage Schwinn Breeze. We found the tires but no luck with the battery, it will have to be ordered, ugh. Then went for a motorcycle ride downtown, to go get some "Mothers Special Blend" at Rainbow foods. I want to have a head start on preparing my belly for some stretching. On our way back home we stopped at Hannah and Bryan's new house to check out their progress with painting!
So to end the day Dan and I took Jack out for a bike/skate ride. Since Dan's vintage Schwinn was purchased in working condition at a garage sale last year I rode that with Jack in the basket and Dan rode along side us on his skate board. The picture of my and Jack is so blurring cause Dan took it while moving down the street on his board.
I also finally found a way to hang some owl water colors, my friend Leticia painted, until I get them framed.
Also, can I just say "I get so frustrated with the excessive amount of tape the thrift store puts on stuff."
A collection of photos from my birthday celebration!
I made this for our anniversary. I wrapped it (pictured below) and left it in the kitchen when I left for work this morning. Then I e-mailed him at his work e-mail with a link to this:
